During this lecture, prof. dr. Natascha van der Zwan discusses a current shift within the European Union: where sustainability has long been central, the focus is increasingly shifting to security, strategic autonomy and geopolitical resilience. What does this development mean for Europe and its citizens? And is there a real change of course, or a continuation of existing policy?
The content of the lecture is in line with the Europe Day, which focuses on peace, unity and cooperation throughout Europe.
By organising the lecture just before Europe Day, SGL wants to contribute to reflection and public debate on the future of Europe, especially in a time of geopolitical tensions and social changes.
- European citizenship
- Thursday 7 May 2026, 19:30 – 21:15 (CEST)
- Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
- External event
Practical information
- When
- Thursday 7 May 2026, 19:30 – 21:15 (CEST)
- Where
- University of Groningen, Campus FryslânWirdumerdijk 34, 8911 CE Leeuwarden, Nederland
- Languages
- English
Description
Until recently, sustainability was the flagship of the European Union. The package of measures resulting from the EU Green Deal contributes to this. The goal is not only to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, but also to strengthen the EU’s trade position internationally. Due to the geopolitical turmoil and internal political shifts, the European Commission’s attention has shifted. Where climate policy used to be central, the focus has now shifted to European resilience, with issues such as strategic autonomy, social resilience and also military preparedness.
In the context of the Europe Day 2026 Natascha van der Zwan will give a lecture that will discuss these recent changes to the European agenda. Are we indeed experiencing a break with the past or are the new priorities of the European Commission in line with the previous political goals? And what does this mean for European citizens? In doing so, Van der Zwan pays particular attention to the use of the European economy as a geopolitical tool of power, a development that is also called “geo-economy”.
The program :
- 19:30 – 20:00 Walk-in with coffee or tea.
- 20:00 – 21:00 Lecture.
- 21:00 – 21:15 Room for questions.
